The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced special train services across its major corridors, including Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, Warri-Itakpe, and the Eastern narrow gauge routes, to ensure smooth and efficient travel during the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) celebrations.
The corporation said additional trips and increased capacity have been deployed to accommodate the expected surge in passenger movement nationwide.
As part of the festive arrangements, the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will operate three trips on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, departures from Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos, are scheduled for 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Meanwhile, trains will depart Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya, Ibadan, at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.
He noted that the one-day special schedule is designed to ease increased passenger traffic, after which normal operations will resume.
On the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) corridor, two trips will run on Thursday, March 19, while three daily trips will operate from Friday, March 20, to Monday, March 23, providing additional travel options during the festive period.
In partnership with the Osun State Government, the NRC will also operate the Imole Special Train from Iddo Station in Lagos to Osogbo, offering free transportation to indigenes of Osun State as part of the state’s Sallah initiative.
Unyimadu explained that while the NRC will provide rolling stock, technical support, and operational services, the Osun State Government is fully sponsoring the initiative.
On the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor, services will continue to run three times weekly. Trains from Warri to Itakpe will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, departing at 8:00 a.m., while services from Itakpe to Warri will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 12:00 noon. Thursdays have been reserved for maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Similarly, the Port Harcourt–Aba Train Service on the Eastern narrow gauge corridor will maintain its regular schedule throughout the Sallah period.
The management of the corporation reassured passengers of its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient rail services across all routes.
Passengers have also been advised to plan their journeys ahead, arrive early at stations, and comply with all ticketing and security procedures.
The corporation further extended its goodwill to Muslim faithful, wishing them a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration, while encouraging continued patronage of rail transport as a safe and dependable means of travel.
